Installing low-voltage lighting is an easy way to beautifully illuminate your garden or landscape. Low-voltage systems run on 12V or 24V power, making them safe and easy to install yourself. With some planning and basic materials, you can have a professional-looking outdoor lighting system to enjoy for years to come.
Choosing the Right Low-Voltage Lighting System
When selecting a low-voltage lighting system, you'll first want to decide on the look you want to achieve. Here are some popular low-voltage lighting options:
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Path lights - Illuminate garden pathways. Path lights are short lighting fixtures designed to partially bury in the ground.
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Step lights - Light up stairs and steps. Like path lights, step lights sit partially above and below the surface.
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Deck lights - Accent decks and porches. Deck light fixtures affix to the deck railing or surface.
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Landscape lights - Spotlight trees, plants, and other landscape features. Landscape lights have spikes to push into the ground or mount to surfaces.
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Underwater lights - Illuminate ponds and pools. Underwater lights submerge fully beneath the water's surface.
Take measurements of where you want to place lights and sketch a layout. Planning the lighting placement will help you purchase the right quantity of lights and connectors.
Opt for LED lights for efficiency and long life. Metal or composite housings will hold up better outdoors than plastic fixtures. Choose lighting with IP65 weatherproof rating or higher for wet areas.
Gathering Supplies for Installation
A complete low-voltage lighting system requires the following components:
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Transformer - Reduces high-voltage power to safe, low-voltage output. Select a transformer with enough wattage for all bulbs.
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Lights - The path, spot, step, or deck fixtures to install.
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Low-voltage wire - Two-conductor wire to run from the transformer to lights.
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Wire connectors - Splice wires together. Waterproof gel-filled connectors are best.
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Fasteners - Stakes or mounts to install light housings.
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Timer or switch - Controls when the lights turn on. A timer turns lighting on/off automatically.
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Voltage tester - Essential safety tool to detect live power.
Optional supplies include wire conduit for buried cable runs, PVC sleeves to pass wires under walkways, a trenching shovel for burying wire, and outdoor-rated junction boxes.
Low-Voltage Lighting Safety Tips
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker before starting work. Verify power is off with a voltage tester.
- Avoid digging without knowing the location of any buried electric, gas, or water lines.
- Inspect electrical components before installing. Do not use anything with damaged wiring.
- Only make connections in junction boxes with covers. Never expose wiring.
- Use only lighting components designed for outdoor/wet locations.
- Ensure all light housings are rated and listed for low-voltage landscape use.
- Wire lights properly in sequence or in parallel as specified by the manufacturer.
Installing the Transformer
The transformer converts 120V household current into 12V or 24V to power your lighting. Install the transformer:
- Near an outdoor receptacle - Minimize wire runs by placing it close to an accessible power source.
- In a weatherproof area - Keep it dry by mounting it under the eaves or in a shed/garage.
- Off the ground - Install it at least 12 inches above ground on a post or wall mount.
First, turn off the circuit powering the electrical outlet you are using. Open the transformer housing to access the wiring compartment. Most transformers come with a built-in photocell and timer. Make any needed adjustments to these settings before mounting the transformer.
Follow manufacturer instructions to make wiring connections:
- Connect the 120V incoming power wires to the transformer input wires.
- Connect the low-voltage output wires to the corresponding transformer terminal.
- Ground the transformer properly if a ground connection is provided.
Finally, securely mount the transformer in its permanent location using the included hardware. Turn circuit power back on once everything is properly installed and closed up.
Running Low-Voltage Wiring
Use the following tips for running low-voltage cables:
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Most low-voltage landscape wire is 16 or 18 gauge two-conductor wire. Buy wire specifically intended for outdoor low-voltage lighting.
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Determine wiring routes from the transformer to light locations. Bury cables at least 6 inches; 12-18 inches is better. Use PVC conduit for shallow burial depths.
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For surface wiring, secure cables against walls or along edges using cable clips. Hide wires behind rain gutters, under decking, through lattice, or in flexible conduit.
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Join waterproof wire connectors tightly using pliers. Avoid wire splices in open ground. Use outdoor-rated junction boxes.
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Leave 6-12 inches of slack near connections to simplify fixture removal.
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Do not run low-voltage with 120V power lines in the same conduit or wiring channels. Keep them separate.
Installing Light Fixtures
Follow the lighting manufacturer's instructions to properly install each fixture type:
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Path lights - Partially bury the light housing with the top protruding above ground or mulch. Angle the light toward the path.
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Step lights - Drill holes in risers to recess the fixtures. Position them to avoid shining directly in the eyes or causing glare.
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Deck lights - Mount these to either the deck floor or railing using the included hardware.
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Landscape lights - Push stake-mount lights solidly into the ground and angle to highlight the desired feature.
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Underwater lights - Submerge and anchor pond and pool lights at least 18 inches below the water's surface. Make watertight wire connections using silicone/sealant at light housing threads and conduit joints.
Testing and Troubleshooting Your Lighting
Upon completing installation:
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Turn on the transformer and test that all lights illuminate properly. Check for any loose connections or faulty fixtures.
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Turn lights on at night and walk your landscape to adjust fixtures and aim lights where needed.
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If lights flicker or won't turn on, check for loose wiring connections, corrosion, faulty LED bulbs, or transformer issues.
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Inspect wiring connections seasonal to ensure they remain corrosion-free. Relocate any connectors/splices exposed above ground.
With proper installation and maintenance, low-voltage lighting systems can provide beauty and security to your landscape for many years. Ambient outdoor lighting extends enjoyment of your garden into the evening.